Weight loss and hunger tend to go hand and hand, because to lose weight, you have to decrease your overall calorie intake. Eating fewer calories, however, can leave you feeling hungry. Despite the slight hunger you will experience, there are steps you can take to suppress your appetite. Taking these appetite-reducing steps will help you reduce your calorie intake and help you lose weight.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water regularly and in considerable amounts can help you suppress your appetite. When you become thirsty, your need for hydration may be mistaken as a need for food energy, notes HelpGuide.org. Drinking water regularly can help you remain hydrated and avoid eating when you really should be drinking a hydrating beverage. Drink at least 8 glasses containing 8 ounces of water every day. If it is hot where you live or if you are engaged in physical activity throughout the day, you will need to drink more water to compensate for the water lost through sweat.
When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water and wait 20 minutes before you eat anything. This will help you make sure you actually are hungry. If you are still hungry, eat a healthy snack. In addition to drinking water before eating, if you drink a glass of water as you eat your meals this will help you feel full sooner and eat less.
Eat Fiber
Fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can help you suppress your appetite. Snack on fruits or vegetables when you feel hungry. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories. Therefore, the high fiber and low calorie content will help you overcome your hunger without adding unnecessary calories.
Make sure to eat the fruits and vegetables plain without adding high calorie dips and spreads to them. Also, avoid canned fruits that have added sugar.
Nuts
Eating a handful of nuts when you are hungry can help suppress your appetite. When you feel hungry, snack on about 12 almonds or a handful of another type of nut. 20 minutes after eating the nuts, you will begin feeling fuller.
Nuts will also provide you with a significant amount of healthy protein that will provide you with necessary energy to get through your day.
Sleep
Quality sleep is an important part of suppressing your appetite. When you do not get enough sleep your body may crave more food throughout the day to make up for the lost energy that sleep can provide.
Reader's Digest website reports that taking a power nap when you feel hungry can help you avoid cravings that are triggered when you are fatigued. Take a nap for 20 minutes when a craving strikes. A 20-minute nap will provide just enough rest to energize you without sending you into a deeper state of sleep.
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